Australia tops world for national brand

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'101271';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[
    {
        'caption' => 'Sydney Harbour.',
        'col' => 'picture',
        'name' => 'Syd.jpg',
        'url' => '/4/31564-Syd.jpg'
    }
];

The 'Australian brand' topped the United States and Italy, which were ranked second and third respectively, on the second annual Country Brand Index 2006 (CBI). The CBI identifies countries as brands and their rating within emerging global travel trends in travel and tourism. Over here in the Gulf, destination Australia reflects a similar story vis-à-vis Gulf travellers.

'Year to date, January through August 2006, Australia has received 31,600 visitors from the GCC countries, a whopping increase of 16 percent cent over the same months in 2004, and a six percent increase on 2005 figures, confirming Australia is one of the hottest destinations for visitors from the region,'

said Andrew Oldfield, Tourism Australia's industry development manager for the GCC region, based in Dubai.

Australia's Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey, said Tourism Australia, the government body tasked with promoting Australia overseas, had recently made a huge effort to build awareness of Australia and the result in London was 'terrific'.

'Australia is loved by millions of people worldwide,' Ms Bailey said. 'The Aussie character, matched by such a unique natural environment, ensures Australia is one of the most desired countries to visit in the world.'

Australia was placed in the top 10 rankings for 12 of the 20 CBI categories. It was third in the 'country easiest to do business with' category and second to New Zealand in the 'best country for outdoor activities/sports'.

Brand consultants FutureBrand say the research highlighted the importance of safety, value for the money, ability to easily communicate, proximity and weather and proximity to experiences such as natural beauty, authenticity, art/culture, outdoor activities, lodging and resort options.

Oldfield added that other than the fact that Australia has gained significantly in popularity as a destination for the Gulf traveler over the past few years, the local population has gleaned that there is a whole lot more to Australia than the Gold Coast alone. We are seeing more people discover the vibrant cities of Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, with all their unique delights including shopping galore, an exciting nightlife scene and incomparable family activities.